Bandana Crusade

Bret Michaels, lead singer of the 1980s band Poison and a recent contestant on the American TV show Celebrity Apprentice, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was six years old. Known for his signature bandana, Bret brought much needed attention to diabetes throughout his time on the show. When he won Celebrity Apprentice, he directed the $250,000 cash prize to the charity of his choice, the American Diabetes Association.

Bret Michaels’ story inspired Kim Cooper to act. Kim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of nine. Since then, her life has been full of diabetes ups and downs.

But one thing that diabetes has taught her is to be grateful. “I have family, friends and co-workers who provide endless love and support for me,” says Kim. “And I’m grateful for that.”

After hearing about the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Summer Surge, Kim decided to initiate a fundraiser that everyone she knew could get involved in. She called it the Bandana Crusade, inspired by Bret Michaels’ signature headgear. Through her crusade, Kim raised money for the Association by encouraging people to take a picture of themselves wearing a bandana.

“Bret usually rocks in his bandana and I wanted to do the same while getting everyone I know to do it as well,” states Kim. “I created a Bandana page where supporters send me their bandana pictures and then donate to my Diabetes Summer Surge campaign. It was a ton of fun so far and a great way to raise awareness for diabetes.”